Scientists are still unsure about what impact bloody-red shrimp have on Great Lakes ecosystems, but the tiny invaders seem to be a popular snack for some hungry fish.

A tiny, invasive delicacy. Photo: GLERL NOAA

New research suggests bloody-red shrimp may become a new food source for Great Lakes fish, easing concerns that the invader would negatively impact food webs.

Researchers from Queen’s University in Ontario looked in some fish bellies to see what they’re eating. They also measured the carbon and nitrogen in their muscle tissue to see if it matches the carbon and nitrogen in areas with a lot of bloody-red shrimp.

And several species – the round goby, yellow perch and alewife – are dining on bloody red cocktails.

Mike Yuille, co-author of the study that will be published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, thinks the findings will inform efforts to conserve native fish.

“Forecasting how an invader will affect the growth and production of a specific native fish species is very relevant to conservation groups and government agencies hoping to conserve those fish,” Yuille said in a prepared statement.